Small and Middle Powers in the Age of China's Influence

HCSS conducts strategic research and analyses on issues of international peace and security, geopolitical developments and global trends, conflict management, defence transformation, cyber and the climate-security nexus.

HCSS - The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies

This Symposium unites European & Asian experts to discuss how small & middle powers can counter China’s hybrid threats & strengthen defence.

The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies

How can small and middle powers (SMPs) in Europe and Asia effectively respond to the evolving hybrid threat posed by China?This symposium seeks to answer this question by exploring China's growing use of hybrid threat activities, the responses of SMPs, and opportunities for greater collaboration between Europe and Asia in addressing challenges associated with these activities.While Europe is well-versed in the hybrid threats posed by Russia, there is still limited understanding of China’s activities on the continent. How do Beijing’s hybrid threat activities differ from Moscow’s? What can Europe learn from Asian SMPs? Understanding the hybrid threat dynamics across the two regions is essential, as they present unique challenges to the political stability, economic security, and digital resilience of SMPs.Hybrid threats are an increasingly prominent feature of international competition, compelling SMPs across both regions to develop defence strategies that address a broad spectrum of activities that fall below the threshold of conventional war. These activities include the use of economic influence to shape political decision-making, cyber espionage aimed at critical infrastructure, and the spread of disinformation to undermine social cohesion and public trust in democratic institutions. Hybrid tactics, although less overt than traditional military aggression, can significantly destabilise target states and shape geopolitical outcomes.The symposium addresses these themes by featuring expert-led panels to examine how China’s hybrid threat activities have evolved over time and what this means for the security of SMPs in Europe and Asia. The focus will also be on identifying effective responses to these threats, exploring both regional and global approaches for strengthening the resilience of SMPs in Asia and Europe.The event will bring together scholars, policy experts, and practitioners from both regions to deepen understanding of hybrid threats and their implications for small and middle powers. Programme:14:30 – 15:00: Registration and Coffee15:05 – 15:15: Welcome Words &amp; Setting the Stage<ul><li>Paul Sinning (CEO, HCSS)</li><li>Army Major General (ret.) Hans van der Louw</li></ul>15:15 – 16:00: Panel 1: Tools of Influence – The Impact of Hybrid Threats on Small and Middle Powers in Europe and Asia This panel will explore the various hybrid tactics China employs to influence SMPs, including information operations, economic coercion, and legal and political influence, and assess their impact across both regions.<ul><li>Moderator: Sofia Romansky (Strategic Analyst, HCSS)</li><li>Jyh-Shyang Sheu (Assistant Research Fellow, Institute for National Defense and Security)</li><li>Susanne Kamerling (Senior Associate Fellow, Leiden Asia Centre &amp; The SPEAR Institute)</li></ul>16:00 – 16:15: Break16:15 – 17:00: Panel 2: Policy Responses and Cooperation – Countering Hybrid Threats in Europe and Asia This panel will focus on policy responses and cooperative frameworks designed to strengthen resilience, foster transregional collaboration, and safeguard the sovereignty of SMPs in an era of hybrid competition.<ul><li>Moderator: Laura Jasper (Strategic Analyst, HCSS)</li><li>Benedetta Girardi (Strategic Analyst, HCSS)</li><li>Teo Yi-Ling (Senior Adjunct Fellow, RSIS)</li></ul>17:00 – 17:05: Closing Remarks<ul><li>Paul Sinning (CEO, HCSS)</li></ul>17:10 – 17:30: Borrel Event details:Date: 16 December 2025Time: 15.00 – 17.00Location: HCSS, Lange Voorhout 1, The Hague

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Small and Middle Powers in the Age of China's Influence

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